Methamphetamines

Methamphetamines (meth) is a powerful highly addictive drug, and now is becoming even more deadly, fentanyl is being added to meth around the US and has been found in Santa Cruz County. 

WHAT IS METH?

Methamphetamines (meth) is a powerful highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Meth can last up to 12 hours in the system resulting in a longer high. Meth comes in both crystal-like shards of glass (rock) or as a crystalline powder.

HOW IS IT USED?

Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally as a pill.

STREET NAMES

Meth, Kri Kir, Krystal, Vidrio, Foco, Glass, Ice, Crack, Cri-Cri, Tweak, Rock, Piedra, Crystal Meth

DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

Spoons are used for cooking meth, look for burn marks

Lighters

Loose razor blades (used to cut meth)

Straws or hollowed ballpoint pens (for snorting)

Bongs/pipes (commonly used to smoke marijuana) can be used for meth, look for a yellowish waxy residue

Syringes/needies

Plastic baggies with residue of white crystalline powder, or crystals

SHORT-TERM HEALTH EFFECTS

Increased blood pressure and body temperature

Faster breathing

Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Loss of appetite or nausea

Disturbed sleep patterns

Erratic, aggressive, irritable, or violent behavior

LONG-TERM HEALTH EFFECTS

Permanent damage to the heart and brain

High blood pressure leading to heart attacks, strokes, and death

Liver, kidney, and lung damage

Anxiety, confusion, and insomnia

Paranoia, hallucinations, mood disturbances, delusions, or violent behavior (psychotic symptoms can sometimes last for months or years after meth use)

Intense itching, causing skin sores from scratching

Severe dental problems

SIGNS THAT SOMEONE IS ON METH

Violent and erratic behavior

Unpredictable behavior

Mood swings

Suppressed appetite

Significant weight loss

Red sores on the body and face from skin picking

Convulsions and tremor

Insomnia

Tooth and gum decay (“meth mouth”)

Hallucinations

Psychosis

SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF A METH OVERDOSE

If you believe someone is experiencing an overdose from methamphetamine, call 911 immediately.

Enlarged pupils

Rapid, slowed, or irregular heart rate

Difficulty breathing

Chest pains

Stomach pain

Heart attack

Stroke

High body temperature

High blood pressure

Ready to get Involved?

Organizations and community members involved in SUD/OUD are welcome to join!
Email Yara Castro at info@sosaheal.org or call 520-375-6050 for more information.